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In an age of evolving technology, kids have a lot of exposure to tons of media which they consume voraciously every single day, and what they’re grasping online, via social media, and television often reigns their thoughts regarding how they feel about their bodies.
 

Unfortunately, the images that are being shown aren’t always the best or ‘truest’ depiction of reality for a child to consider as role models. Therefore, to help kids and young learners as a school counsellor adept at student counselling techniques, you need to learn the ways to spread awareness about body positivity.
 

Here are a few easy ways to teach your learners how to appreciate themselves, just the way they are.

• Model body positivity

It’s no surprise that children learn a lot from watching adults around them, and body image and self-talk are things that many adults are not good at.
 

Many a times, we tend to be hard on ourselves and it’s quite common to be unhappy regarding our own appearances, that too, out loud. But kids hear and grasp these grave statements as well and may begin to ponder about themselves or become equally aware of their own bodies.
 

So, the first thing you need to do is to watch what you say. Try to portray a positive feeling about your body. It will then trickle down to your learners while giving you a little confidence boost in the process.
 

Teach them about being the whole package
 

Complimenting your learners on their appearance is an excellent way to encourage a confident self-image. But it is equally crucial to also praise their other qualities, like how good they are at science or English, their kindness, and any other aspects/traits that make them special.
 

The thing is, children should know that there’s more to them than their bodies, they’re a whole package!

• Listen and address concerns

If you come across any conversation regarding body negativity, consider it your duty to address the issue face-to-face by starting a conversation. In a calm manner, let the learner know that you overheard the negativity, and tell them you’re there to lend an ear whenever they feel so.
 

An opportunity of open communication makes it easier for young individuals to open up about their feeling or if they have doubts regarding their bodies. Further questions can aid in keeping the conversation going.
 

Make sure to ask the following questions (in a gentle tone):

• Why did you say so about yourself?
• Did anyone say anything to make you feel so?
• Can I help you?

Sometimes, just listening can help learners feel better and lift some weight off their shoulders that’s been bothering them for quite some time. Sometimes, you may require to direct them toward something positive about themselves.

• Body positive self portrait

Ask students to come up with ways to thank their body for all it does for them.
 

Examples:

• “I am thankful for my legs for helping me in walking and dancing.”
• “I am thankful to my arms for allowing me to hug my family.”
• “I am thankful to my hands for helping me play the piano.”

Ask them to draw and label 3-4 body parts on a sheet of paper, also including a reason they are thankful for them. Provide them an approved list of body parts from which they can choose and write about. Brainstorm together before beginning.

• Create a collage

No. this isn’t just any collage. Create a collage that portrays body diversity. Select images from all ends of the spectrum, all colours, and all genders. Then, help your learners find beauty in each image!
 

Ask them to find something positive about each image, and then talk about it in detail.
 

The aim is to teach them about beauty in all forms, and exposing children to an array of images helps normalize diversity and makes them understand that there is no perfect body.

• Right the wrong

If something in the media (TV, social media etc.) seems off, it’s better to set it straight as it never hurts to point something out that appears wrong so the kids do not begin normalising the issue.
 

If it’s a matter of race, gender, or body imagery, then you need to point it out and educate your learners about the fact.

• Watch what you say

Encouraging a healthy lifestyle is a great way of teaching kids about body positivity. But make sure to use right words and terms, as because using wrong terms can confuse young learners regarding the aura surrounding the word ‘healthy’. E.g., diet or weight may have negative connotations connected to them, instead, use the word ‘healthy’ and don’t stress on negative words like fat. Instead use positive words like strong, healthy, joyful and glad.
 

As a someone with a diploma in child counselling courses, if you’ve noticed a trend, you’re right on. As all of these important tips ultimately come down to you by changing your terminology, paying attention, and normalizing diversity. There isn’t a better way to teach your learners about body positivity than modelling it yourself.